In the luxury utility vehicle segment, the saying "less is more" rarely applies. And BMW promises us that the 2011 X5 will deliver more power, more luxury and more refinement. But the X5 will also come with the "less" as well, as in 10 percent less fuel consumption and carbon emissions.

For 2011, BMW has revised the fourth-generation X5's now all-turbo engine offerings and added a standard eight-speed automatic to a vehicle that reportedly contains nearly 4,000 parts that are all new. And thanks to some pretty remarkable work at the company's Spartanburg, South Carolina plant, production of the new model commenced over the course of a single weekend. In short, BMW utilized a process that it calls "digital changeover" to stop production of the 2010 X5 on March 19 without slowing production at all, and just two days later on March 22, production examples of the 2011 model were flowing down the assembly line.

Beyond the multitude of powertrain changes under the hood of the 2011 X5, Bobby Hitt, (deep breath) Department Manager for Corporate Affairs, BMW Manufacturing Co, points out that the exterior received quite a bit of rework as well. "The new model X5 features exterior design changes including new front and rear bumpers, new front fenders, new headlights and new tail lights. This adaptation significantly enhances the presence of the new X5, making it look fresher and more elegant." Hit the jump to read over the BMW press release.


Gallery: 2011 BMW X5





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